Alumni success stories from the Department of Logistics & Maritime Studies at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

During my studies in the international shipping and transport logistics bachelor programme, I joined an international study tour to Singapore and visited companies. The tour complemented the operational knowledge that I gained from my higher diploma in international transport logistics. The tour also gave me the opportunity to collaborate with international partners and experts in the field, encouraged a global perspective and ignited my passion for the future development of my shipping career. I am grateful for the dynamic courses taught during my higher diploma and undergraduate years, where I acquired fundamental ship management, shipping law and marine insurance knowledge.

I am truly blessed to have joined the exchange programme offered by the Department. My semester in Denmark was a very precious and unforgettable experience. Not only did it strengthen my academic knowledge, but also my independence and positive attitude.

After my undergraduate studies, I went on to complete a master’s degree in International Shipping and Transport Logistics programme offered by the Department of LMS, a leading and programme of its kind in Hong Kong.

I was assured of my interest in pursuing a career in shipping with additional industry knowledge and an expanded professional network.

If you are interested in the logistics industry especially in the maritime sector, programmes offered by the Department of LMS are the best options to equip yourself to become a competent, capable and well-qualified field player.

• Current student of Master in Supply Chain Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Global Supply Chain Management Graduate (2011)

The Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) programme at PolyU has helped me build a solid foundation and equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin my career in the field. Supply chain management skills are highly sought-after in a wide range of industries, and the GSCM programme opens doors to career opportunities in roles ranging from demand planning, logistics to procurement.

Upon graduation, I joined TAL Apparel Ltd, an apparel manufacturing company where I took up a position in demand and supply planning and was immediately able to apply what I learnt from my studies. After that I moved on to a supplier management role with a leading Canadian retailer. Most recently, I was admitted to the Master programme in Supply Chain Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where I will get the chance to dive deeper into the field and connect with supply chain professionals across the globe.

• Current student of Master of Science in Financial Economics at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Global Supply Chain Management Graduate (2016)

Studying at the PolyU’s GSCM programme was definitely a rewarding experience. Academically, the programme offers selection flexibility in elective subjects, which allowed me to specialise in the areas that interest me most. The class sizes were relatively small, so I got to know my classmates well. We were assigned to work in groups for most subjects, and that sharpened my teamwork and presentation skills. This showed the efforts made by the programme to develop well-rounded business students.

Apart from the close relationship we had with fellow students, the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies (LMS) was very supportive. Professors responded to our emails quickly and we never had trouble seeking their advice. The Department also provided study tours, company visits, and other activities with different industry associations. We were able to gain wonderful industry exposure as students.

The four-year GSCM learning experience not only equipped me with invaluable business knowledge and market insights, but also trained me to become versatile and thus competitive in the job market. I am now doing my Masters in Financial Economics at Oxford’s Saïd Business School. I believe what I gained from the GSCM programme will continue to play a pivotal role in my future academic and professional pursuits.

• Senior Vessel Planning Specialist and Management Trainee, Hamburg Süd Hong Kong Limited
• Master of Science in International Shipping and Transport Logistics Graduate (2015)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in International Shipping and Transport Logistics Graduate (2013)
• Higher Diploma in International Transport Logistics Graduate (2010)

The Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies (LMS) provides me with practical and theoretical knowledge from shipping to supply chain management. Through different site visits, exchange programmes, cooperation and support from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong (CILTHK) and the Logistics Alumni Association (LGTAA), I was able to gain market intelligence from before I even started my career.

The journey did not stop upon graduation. In the logistics field, training and development applies for both students and alumni alike.

Before graduation, students are given various forms of support and opportunity. The Department of LMS provides all sorts of scholarship programmes in recognising student achievements. I was able to perceive my own career path before graduation with a number of internship opportunities.

After graduating, the Logistics Alumni Association (LGTAA) supports alumni development by acting as a platform to facilitate the exchange of ideas and market perspectives, we will be able to continuously gain knowledge through its strong network.